Diabetes and You

Diabetes and obesity are rising health concerns in the Tarrant County community. Diabetes is the number one cause of blindness, kidney failure and amputations. The complications of diabetes can be prevented!

WHAT IS DIABETES?

When you have diabetes your body is not making enough of the hormone insulin and/or the insulin you have is not working the way it should. Therefore, the food you eat cannot be used as energy.

Most food is broken down into a form of sugar called glucose. Sugar is the body's main source for energy. As you eat food, your blood sugar rises and the body signals the pancreas to send insulin to the bloodstream to lower your blood sugar.

Type 1 Diabetes, once known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin, a hormone needed to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells to produce energy. Type 2 Diabetes, which is far more common, occurs when the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin or doesn't make enough insulin.

The Texas Diabetes Council promotes diabetes prevention and awareness throughout the state. Free diabetes education materials are available through the Publications and Resources section of the website: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/diabetes/publictn.shtm

The American Diabetes Association's mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. Visit their website for free information on diabetes and/or prevention: www.diabetes.org

Eat your way to better health by clicking on the following link to meet with a virtual dietitian who can provide you with healthy tips on eating right: www.cancer.org/eatright